School closures in East Lothian could be on the horizon as a major review is about to be carried out.

The review will consider closures, changes to catchment areas and mergers over the next six months. Education bosses at East Lothian Council say parent councils, communities and families will be consulted.

The pre-consultation, which was given the go ahead by councillors at a meeting this week, will consider a “full range” of options.

In a report to a meeting of the council it was confirmed that the consultation would consider catchment reviews, new school build requirements, school merger proposals on a new site involving closure of existing schools, and other alternative proposals.

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East Lothian Council’s Labour administration scrapped proposals to close rural schools operating at less than 50 per cent ahead of last year’s budget after it met strong opposition. The proposal would have seen two primary schools – Stenton and Humbie – close their doors.

The new review will focus mainly on primary schools and will look at the range of uses of school buildings and other council buildings by local communities.

Councillor Norman Hampshire, deputy leader, told the council meeting that the review would have “huge financial implications”.

And Councillor Stuart Currie, SNP group leader, warned that it would spark concern among parents.

He said: “The risk of offending people is pretty high when people start talking about closures.

“This is a significant piece of work.”

Mr Currie, and fellow SNP councillor Paul McLennan, called for the results of the consultation and any “emerging themes” to be put before the council’s education committee for discussion before coming back to council for a decision.

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